FIRE chiefs are planning training sessions for the rescue agencies to help them prepare for possible terrorist attacks.

Council and emergency services bosses in Ellesmere Port say the number of chemical sites in the area means it is a possible target for terrorists, and they must be prepared for a potential disaster situation.

The fire service is planning to carry out rehearsals early next year to assess how crews would respond in the event of an attack, and a mobile decontamination unit could be sent there as part of the training.

Bryn Jones, watch commander from Ellesmere Port fire station, said: "It is very important that all agencies in this area are prepared to cope with anything that might happen.

"There is obviously more emphasis from the government now on preparing for everything that could happen, including terrorism.

"We have been discussing plans to bring this incident response unit to Ellesmere Port next year because of the concentration of chemical industries we have here.

"The machines are being tested in similar areas all over the country."

The vehicles contain large mobile shower units which would be used to decontaminate the public.

Mr Jones said: "We get volunteers to run through what would happen if there was an attack. It is simply a way of making sure we could cope with anything."

Mike Whittaker, head of environmental services at Ellesmere Port and Neston council, said: "We have to be prepared to deal with anything and a target has been set to complete a full round of rehearsals by 2006."